Few People Realize Cruise Ship Dangers as Carnival Returns to Norfolk

The arrival of Carnival Cruise Lines’ vessel the Carnival Splendor this month marked the first of six Carnival trips based from Norfolk that are leaving to places like Bermuda and the Bahamas over the coming year. It’s good news for a city that appeared to have lost cruise ship dollars.

Back in 2013, city officials learned that due to a series of deployment shifts Carnival would have to end its 10 year plus partnership with the Half Moone Center. This was a big blow to Norfolk because this decision left the $37.4 million Half Moone Center without a major source of income.

However, now that the Half Moone Center is busy again things are looking better across the board. As reported in Virginian Pilot article “Carnival Cruise Lines Returns to Norfolk after Break,” Stephen Kirkland, executive director of Nauticus, is overjoyed that Carnival Cruise Lines has returned, but he stresses that homeporting vessels like this is just one of the many ways the center is being revitalized. It will also temporarily house multiple different cruise ships throughout the season that are not affiliated with Carnival and it will be used for unique events year-round.

Now that the Half Moone Center is at full capacity, it will be able to contribute to the local economy at a level not seen over the past year. Along with the money from the cruise lines themselves, these ships also help bring in money from all of the travelers gathering in Norfolk to get aboard. The Carnival Splendor left Norfolk at full capacity holding around 3,000 people.

The cruise ship industry offers a luxurious and relaxing adventure to distant places. However, these massive floating cities also can harbor many dangers. There has been a recent and disturbing trend of accidents involving cruise ships running aground as well as injuries to people on board. For example the Costa Concordia incident, when a Carnival owned cruise liner ran aground and capsized off the coast of Italy in 2012, caused the loss of 32 lives. Also many people within the industry worry that the risk of fires on aboard the vessels is significantly higher than the cruise lines are willing to admit. While significant, these dangers do not mean that vacationing on a cruise is dangerous, there are some serious concerns about the industry. As I state in this video, many cruise liners fly a “flag of convenience” By sailing under them, ships become the territory of that nation, and thus avoid U.S. laws regulations, and taxation.

If you have been hurt aboard a cruise ship call our Norfolk, VA injury lawyers at 757.455.0077 or see CooperHurley.com.